CHENNAI, India, (Reuters) - Indian batting  stalwart Sachin Tendulkar credits coach Gary Kirsten with  helping the team become a force in world cricket again.

India won their first test series on New Zealand soil in  four decades this week, their third successive test series  victory since defeating top-ranked Australia in November.

“The secret to this success is the players are playing  their natural game,” Tendulkar told Mumbai tabloid Mid Day on  Friday.

“That can only happen if the atmosphere is good and the  mind is free of any kind of pressure.

“… it’s the case of natural instincts taking over and  that can be credited to Gary (Kirsten). The team environment is  allowing players to play their natural game. That’s probably  the secret,” Tendulkar added.

Tendulkar, the world’s highest run-getter in test and  one-day cricket, was second behind Gautam Gambhir in the runs  tally for the team in the test series with 344 runs.

Former South African opener Kirsten took over from Greg  Chappell last year and has helped the Indian team improve their  performances, earning the respect of the players for his quiet  approach following a turbulent period under the Australian.